Synonyms for

Ignorant

Verb / ˈɪgnɜ:ʌnt / Another word for ignorant — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not having knowledge or awareness about something in particular

Synonyms & similar words

unlettered illiterate nescient unlearned unknowledgeable unknowing unwitting uninformed unaware clueless unknowing unschooled unenlightened uneducated unlearned illiterate inexperienced naive inattentive oblivious unfamiliar unaccustomed unacquainted unversed ignoramus foolish stupid

Synonyms by register

Formal

uninformed unaware unschooled unenlightened

Informal

clueless out of the loop in the dark dumb

Literary

benighted unlettered

Antonyms

knowledgeable aware informed educated wise learned enlightened

Common collocations

  • ignorant of the facts
  • ignorant of the law
  • blissfully ignorant
  • ignorant person
  • ignorant behavior
  • ignorant of the consequences
  • ignorant of the situation

Word family

noun ignorance
adjective ignorant
adverb ignorantly

Usage note

Often used with 'of' to specify what the person is ignorant about. Can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying a lack of intelligence rather than just a lack of information.

Example sentences

  1. The teacher was frustrated with the student's ignorant behavior in the classroom.
  2. She was ignorant of the fact that the concert was cancelled.
  3. He had an ignorant attitude towards people who were different from him.
  4. The politician made an ignorant comment during the debate.
  5. The boss was angry at his employee's ignorant mistake.

Quotes

  • The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge. - Stephen Hawking
  • Ignorance is not bliss, it's oblivion. - Philip Roth
  • The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is arrogance. - Albert Einstein

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